The Höllgrotten Caves in Baar are a cave system in the wild and romantic river landscape of the Lorzentobel Gorge. Small lakes and stalactite formations in a variety of colours characterise the caves. They are around 6,000 years old and were discovered in 1863, when tuff was being quarried to line railway tunnels in the Knonaueramt region. Allow about 45 minutes to explore the caves independently.
Caves, the Lorze and trails
The Höllgrotten Caves walk leads from urban Baar along the Lorze River to the caves. Another route runs from Schmittli near Neuägeri via the caves and Baar to the city of Zug. It is suitable for cycling, hiking and inline skating. This gives you different ways to get active along the Lorze, without requiring you to follow the same schedule for each.
The Schlaufensteg treetop walkway offers another distinctive experience: the 350-metre-long path leads to several viewing platforms and reaches heights of up to 22 metres. It is freely accessible year-round. You can add a walk at treetop level to your explorations; the Höllgrotten Caves, by contrast, offer a glimpse into a cave system with lakes and stalactite formations.
Traces from different centuries
Northeast of the village, Baarburg rises as a plateau-like hilltop and a dominant landmark of Baar. Archaeological investigations have documented at least seven settlement phases there, from the Middle Bronze Age, beginning in 1550 BC, through to the Early Middle Ages around AD 700. This period extends far beyond the history of the later churches and transport routes.
The townscape brings together religious buildings with different histories. The Reformed Church was built in 1866/67 as the first Protestant church in Central Switzerland. The tower of the Catholic parish church of St Martin dates from around 1360; the church is still characterised by its Baroque furnishings. The roof structure of St Martin, built in 1557, is also noteworthy.
In the Lorzentobel Gorge, the oldest of the three bridges tells the story of another historic connection: it is a covered wooden bridge dating from 1759. The three bridges symbolise the enduring importance of the transport link between mountain and valley in the Zug region. The Mühlebach Canal also reflects Baar’s economic development. The Obermühle mill and the Baar spinning mill used its water power to drive machinery. Information panels along the canal explain its significance for Baar’s industrialisation.
Customs and local insights
The Baar Räbefasnacht carnival was founded on 13 February 1947 at the Zur Waage restaurant. Its central symbolic figure, the Räbegäuggel, was designed by Eugen Hotz. Baar Räbemues is served every year at the traditional Räbevatermöhli. You can take part in the enthronement of the Räbevaters and the grand parade on Carnival Sunday. Specific programme items may vary from year to year.
Brauerei Baar brewery is also part of local history: it was founded in 1862. Brewery tours offer insights into the art of brewing. For a different historical focus, head to nearby Allenwinden. Its village centre includes the parish church of St Wendelin, dating from 1749. The village centre is recommended as a destination for walks in the Lorzentobel Gorge or on the Zugerberg.
Getting here and finding your way
Baar is served by express trains on the Lucerne–Zurich line. From Zug railway station, visitors can reach Baar on the Zug Stadtbahn or bus route 3. The Höllgrotten Caves can be reached from Baar by car or bicycle. For planning purposes, you can therefore consider your journey to Baar, the connection from Zug railway station, and the choice between a cave visit, trails along the Lorze and historical sites separately.
Discover more destinations: Risch, Steinhausen, Walchwil, Cham, Unterägeri, Zug, Oberägeri, Menzingen.
Back to the main travel overview: Zug.
